Chapter 50: Persuasions and Realizations
In the Game of Life decisions are crucial. The Rage of War dictate decisions must be made. One Player had to decide between two loves. Did he make the right choice?
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"We don't have time for this. Debbie Broots is being transferred from NuGenesis to the Centre. We have to get her before they can transport her. We'll need stealthier transportation than that car. Mark, do you ride a bike?" Jarod went and got his gun and a few other items.
Mark's eyes grew wide and then he acted as if nothing were wrong. "You mean a motorcycle. Of course. I know how to ride a Hog."
"Let me tell the guards that we're going." Becky pulled out her phone and spoke quickly. "We're set to go."
Becky and Jarod just looked at Mark. "I have two motorcycles in a shed in the back. We'll take them." Jarod headed for the door with Becky following him. Mark just hung his head and followed the two out of the door.
The trio approached the shed and Jarod undid the lock. After opening the doors, Jarod went in and pulled out the first bike, then the second. "OK. Which bike do you want Mark?"
Mark looked at Becky. "I'll shoot you to see who gets to ride alone."
"When Lily tried to get you to ride a motorcycle, you told her she was crazy. You're just chicken." Becky put her fist up. "Ready? Once, twice, three shoot. Once, twice, three shoot. Once, twice, three shoot. That's it."
Jarod spent fifteen minutes showing the two how to ride a motorcycle. A few minutes later the roar of motorcycles filled the air. Two motorcycles flew down the road into the dusk of night.
Two hours later, the two motorcycles pulled up to the perimeter of the NuGenesis property. The figure holding onto Jarod got off the bike on wobbly legs. The figure on the other bike jumped off and pulled the helmet off.
Becky's long blond curls fell softly to her shoulders. "That was fantastic. Lily said it was fun, but I never imagined. I have got to get me one of these!"
Mark and Jarod took their helmets off as well. "Lily rides? I should have known." Jarod looked at Mark. "You all right Mark?" Jarod asked the green-faced man.
"I don't know why anyone would voluntarily ride one of those things." Mark said as the world swayed around him.
"You're such a stick in the mud Mark." Becky said as she hung her helmet on the handle.
"One should talk Miss 'I Don't Cross the Street Against Traffic' lady." Mark put his helmet on the seat of the bike.
Becky stewed for a moment and then stuck her tongue out at Mark.
"Oh, that's real mature." Mark said as he realized that Jarod had started to move to the tree line. "Becky. I think we're getting left behind." Mark pointed at Jarod. The two looked at each other and sprinted trying to catch up with him.
"I can only use you if you're not going to act like children." Jarod said in low whispers. We have to go over there and come in from the back. Angelo and I moved around the drainpipe before, they'll be expecting that."
"You've done this before?" Mark asked.
"Yes. When I was trying to save a young boy. Now Debbie should be on the second floor of the west wing. That is where the observation rooms are. I need to disconnect their monitor systems. We did the diversion thing the last time, so that would be redundant. We need a fresh idea." Jarod was scoping the area for the best line of attack.
"Too bad there wasn't a storm. It would knock out the lights and systems." Becky said as she followed Jarod.
Jarod thought for a moment. "What if we created the conditions of a storm?" He thought out loud. "Mark. Do you think you could drive a car into a light pole?"
"Are you crazy? I could get killed?" Mark said his eyes frantic with panic.
"Then jump out before it hits." Jarod said as he started across the field toward the center's parking area.
Becky and Mark followed Jarod across the field. Jarod reached the parked vehicles and found Dr. Randolph's car. He knew that she was the head of NuGenesis now. Jarod took a little pouch out of his pocket and pulled out a long thin instrument. He pushed a small button and the rod became twice its length. Jarod fiddled with the lock and in a few minutes had the car opened. He reached under the steering column and pulled out some wires. He took a little plier out of the pouch and rearranged some of the wiring. The ignition started.
"There you go Mark. There is a light pole right there. If I have calculated right, it will take out the power to all of NuGenesis. Becky, on the left side of the house is the wiring to the security system. When you hear the car hit, cut the third wire. It will be the only red wire there. Can you do that?" Jarod looked for any sign of distress. He remembered Lily saying that espionage wasn't Becky's forte.
"I can do that. We need to help Debbie." Becky half smiled hoping she didn't electrocute herself in the process.
"OK. Keep low. Follow the cars around to the back and around the building. Please keep an eye out for guards. And if someone catches you, do not resist. I don't want you hurt." Jarod took Becky's chin. "Understand?"
"I will assess the situation and act accordingly. Wish me luck." Becky smiled and headed along the cars.
Jarod thought for a moment. "Wait. That wasn't a yes." Jarod whispered, but Becky was already to the end of the cars. Jarod crept along the car till he was next to the open door where Mark was sitting in the driver's seat. "You ready? When you hit, I'll be entering the east door to go upstairs and get Debbie."
"As a young boy I always wanted to be a demolition car driver. Now I guess I get my chance. Get going Jarod." Jarod stepped away from the car and pushed the door shut.
Mark pulled the car out of its space and headed down the row towards the light pole. He turned the car in the direction he thought would cause the most damage on impact. Mark watched Jarod over the cars till he could no longer see him. "Show time." Mark said as he slammed his foot down on the accelerator, but held the brake. When the car was revved up, Mark released his foot off the break and with a squeal headed for the pole. Just as the car was about to hit, Mark opened the door and jumped out.
The car hit the pole with a bang and an explosion.
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Parker paced Broots' room waiting for the signal that Jarod opened the e- mail. She was biting her lower lip, which is something that she did when she was in deep thought or agitated.
Broots sat back in his bed watching Parker march around the room. He had come to realize long ago that he and Miss Parker would never be a couple, but he still enjoyed watching her long legs move in her usual stride.
Suddenly the computer chimed and Parker raced to it. She quickly read the message.
Parker, Got the plans. You're the best. Tell Broots thank you. On our way to go get Debbie. Don't worry. Love always, Jarod.
Broots read the e-mail and it confirmed what he had suspected. Parker and Jarod were together. "So you and Jarod are."
Parker saw the hurt in Broots face. "It was inevitable. I think it was always meant to be that we would be together. Whether it was fate or kismet or just plain damn luck. I don't know. I just know that when we are together the world is at our feet. We are two pieces that fit into each other, even if it's not always perfectly."
"I always knew that you were way too angry whenever he did something or the two of you were around each other. It's a sign that two people who are strong willed like each other." Broots smiled.
"What are we in Broots, grammar school?" Parker said as she strode over to the door of the room looking out like what Broots was saying didn't matter.
Broots looked over at Parker. "You can't deny it. All those tricks he played. Always far enough not to be caught, but always in contact. It's like he couldn't leave you behind. But at the same time we all knew that he cared enough to give you the information you needed to find out the truth about your mother. He could have kept it to himself, but he didn't. He wanted you to find out the truth, just like he was. Your futures were connected by your pasts."
"I think you've been hanging around Syd too long. You think you've become a head shrinker." She sooo wished she had a cigarette. She wasn't ready to be having this conversation with anyone from the Centre, let alone Broots.
"I just call it like I see it. The only man other than Thomas who has been able to make your blood boil is Jarod." Broots lay back in pain and tired.
"What do you know about my boiling point." Parker started to say as she turned and saw that Broots was in pain. "Enough of this. We did what we could and you need to rest." Parker went over to the remote and pushed the button for the nurse.
"How am I supposed to rest when Debbie is out there in trouble?" Broots tried to get up.
Parker put her hand up to his chest. "Hey cowboy. Where do you think you're going?"
"I told you. I have to find Debbie. She is my life Miss Parker." Broots winced as he tried to push up against her hand to get out of bed.
"Do you think you could fight a Sweeper team like this? If anyone can get her Broots, it's Jarod. He wouldn't let anything happen to her. He knows how much she means...to me." Parker pulled her hand off of Broots' chest.
"She means a lot to him too." Broots lay back on his pillow.
Parker looked at him confused. "What do you mean she means a lot to him? He's never met Debbie."
Broots shook his head. "You're wrong. He helped me get custody of Debbie. He's the person who sent the court the information on my ex-wife." Broots lowered his head waiting for the repercussions of his last statement.
"It makes sense." Parker sat in the chair crossing her long legs as she processed the information. "The time when everyone in the Centre was looking for you and just out of the blue Jarod decides to help you. I knew there had to be a catalyst. It was Debbie. And your family unit. How could I be so blind?"
Broots smiled. "I actually pulled one over on you."
"Oh go ahead. Smirk Puff Daddy. Yes, I have a long memory. Sometimes I don't even want to know what goes on in that head of yours." Parker now smiled as Broots' face turned redder than a tomato. She got up. "Now if I can trust you to stay put, I'm going to go. I need to check on the training of my team. You going to be OK?"
Broots shook his head in agreement. "I'm tired. I'll try and get some sleep."
The nurse came in as Parker opened the door. "Please tell the Doctor that Mr. Broots needs something to help him sleep." Parker turned to leave.
"Miss Parker." Broots called. "Please keep an eye open for a message from Jarod. And let me know when he has her."
"You bet. Now get some rest." Parker turned and walked out the door.
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Lily clicked into the Sanctuary file. She smiled as the plans for SL-27 came up in front of her. That smile faded, as she could find no reasonable escape route from the rooms. But she now knew where Raines' office was. If she could get out of this room, then all she had to do was make it to his office. According to the plans, all the controls for the floor were routed to there.
Lily quickly memorized the specs just as the computer went blank. "So you are monitoring what I'm doing." She said under her breath. "I hope you encrypted the file Sydney."
Music started playing through the intercom. Lily felt pain on the side of her head. "Err. I hate you people." She took a deep breath. "Can I at least have an aspirin?" She yelled, feeling all the angry emotions building inside her. "Cree Craw Toad's Foot, Geese Walk Barefoot." She started to chant trying to block the messaging she knew was being feed to her through the music.
The door opened and Sam entered the room holding a tray with a glass.
"Great. Room service. You have my aspirin?" Lily said as she approached the man.
Sam half threw the tray onto the table. "Your dinner. And I'm no room service attendant."
Lily looked at the glass on the tray. "What the hell is that?"
Sam smirked. "Wheat grass and tomato juice. Bon appetite."
Lily cringed. "What do I look like - a goat? Wheat grass? You've got to be kidding. Get me a cheeseburger, salad, and a diet Dr. Pepper."
Sam was about to answer her with a smart remark, when the door to the room opened. He took the signal and left the room.
Lily picked up the glass, walked into the bathroom, and poured the glass down the drain of the sink. She walked back into the room and threw the glass on the tray. "I am not going to drink anything that looks like it came from a nuclear waste dump. I want real food!" Lily went and sat on the bed and tried to block the music that was still playing.
"If you want privileges, then you are going to have to play by the rules." A voice came over the intercom.
Lily listened for a moment, not immediately recognizing the voice. "I'm not a play by the rule type of gal."
"That's what I'm told. It intrigues me. You and I could make a great alliance." The voice proclaimed.
Then Lily realized who was speaking. She brought her knees up to her chest and crossed her legs. "Your name is Klos, right? Does Dr. Raines know that you are propositioning me? I don't think that he would want you playing with his toys. He's not the sharing kind of person."
"Raines doesn't control me." Klos was about to continue, when he was cut off.
"That's your perception Mr. Klos. As long as you're in my employ, you are under my orders. Don't ever forget that." Raines wheezed from the doorway to his office. "But she is right. I don't want you playing with my toy - at least not right now. I need her. Don't you have some people to find?"
Klos got up out of the chair and non-challantly walked past Raines. "Well if you want to keep her happy, then I'd get her a cheeseburger. The little lady is hungry." Klos exited out the door.
"You are becoming a liability Mr. Klos. I will have to deal with you soon." Raines hit the intercom button. "Lily. Was there a problem with your drink?"
Lily recognized Raines' voice. "Ahhh. Did Mr. Klos get his hand slapped? I want a cheeseburger, salad, and a Diet Dr. Pepper and I want it now."
"Most people don't give me orders." Raines wheezed with anger in his voice.
Lily smiled. "Most people don't hold the key to your future. The world is give and take. I think you better give or you will never see your Pretender's again."
Raines picked up his phone. "Get her what she wants." He hung up the phone. "Smoke and mirrors. You learn quickly Lily. We'll let you stew in your programming for a while and see what happens." Raines clicked the monitor button and Lyle's room appeared on the monitor. The man was pacing around the room.
"Problem Lyle?" Raines asked into the intercom system.
"No. I'm just peachy. Thought this place was the Ritz Carlton." Lyle stopped pacing. "How is Lily?"
Raines smiled. "And what concern is her well being to you?"
Lyle's defenses kicked in. "None of your business."
"Now Lyle. You know that it's better to give me what I want than fight against me. It's been that way since the beginning. And I will do whatever I wish to Lily. I want my Pretenders back."
"I'll do whatever you want. I'll sit in your mind warp chair for however long you want if you just let Lily go. Just don't hurt her anymore." Lyle started to pace the room again.
"We're in mutual agreement Lyle. I don't want her hurt, I want her obedient. I want my family back. The Parker reign to continue. Your son is the beginning of that. You and Lily together could create a powerful future for the Centre." Raines wheezed in deeply waiting to see what Lyle's reaction would be.
Lyle stopped in his tracks. "She will never allow that. She hates you. Lily would never let you control her children."
"She may with a little convincing. That she's getting now. All I need for you to do is be there to be a catalyst for the programming."
Lyle looked up in anger at the camera. "You put her back in that chair?"
"No. I resorted back to my original method with her, what she is primed for - music." Raines looked back at the one monitor that showed Lily. "She can't resist it forever. Eventually the subliminal messaging will supercede her own values. So do we have a deal Lyle?"
Lyle thought quickly. "What's in it for me?"
Raines smirked. "Besides a nice roll in the hay, you're eventual rise to command of the Centre. You will have all the power you have ever wanted."
"And what of Parker and the Boy Wonder?" Lyle looked slyly at the camera.
"She either gets in line or we eliminate her from the equation. Remember the Game. You're offering to me last December was a great start. She knows the rules." Raines waited for Lyle's response.
"Let me go to Lily." Lyle said as he went to stand in front of the door. After a few minutes the door opened. Sam was standing there with a tray that had two burgers, a salad, and two soft drinks. "Room service?"
Sam huffed. "It's for the other one. She wasn't one for Mr. Raines' specialty drinks."
"Can't blame her. Wheat grass and tomato juice sucks." Lyle followed Sam to Lily's door.
"Here. You give it to her." Sam shoved the tray at Lyle.
"Afraid of a little lady?" Lyle asked as Sam entered the door code.
"That woman is no lady." The door opened and Lyle entered.
Lily got up off her bed. "Hmmmmm. Took long enough."
Lyle offered the tray to Lily as she approached. She took the tray and pushed it aside on the table.
Lily grabbed Lyle and kissed him. She moved to kissing his neck as Lyle half resisted, half allowed her to travel around to the other side of his neck.
"Lily..." Lyle began.
"Shhhhhh." Lily replied as she pushed him toward the bed. "Make love to me."
Lyle squirmed as Lily's body lay on top of his. She kissed him again and Lyle responded by kissing her back. He could feel her heart beating next to his chest. She felt so good, the warmth of her body permeating his.
Lyle flipped Lily so that he was on top. He pulled off his shirt and threw it to the floor. Lily leaned up and kissed his chest as Lyle closed his eyes. A few moments later Lyle pulled the covers over the two of them and nuzzled into Lily's neck.
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The battles have begun. Critical moves have been made. The Players are making monumental decisions. Can triumph be within their grasp?
In the Game of Life decisions are crucial. The Rage of War dictate decisions must be made. One Player had to decide between two loves. Did he make the right choice?
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"We don't have time for this. Debbie Broots is being transferred from NuGenesis to the Centre. We have to get her before they can transport her. We'll need stealthier transportation than that car. Mark, do you ride a bike?" Jarod went and got his gun and a few other items.
Mark's eyes grew wide and then he acted as if nothing were wrong. "You mean a motorcycle. Of course. I know how to ride a Hog."
"Let me tell the guards that we're going." Becky pulled out her phone and spoke quickly. "We're set to go."
Becky and Jarod just looked at Mark. "I have two motorcycles in a shed in the back. We'll take them." Jarod headed for the door with Becky following him. Mark just hung his head and followed the two out of the door.
The trio approached the shed and Jarod undid the lock. After opening the doors, Jarod went in and pulled out the first bike, then the second. "OK. Which bike do you want Mark?"
Mark looked at Becky. "I'll shoot you to see who gets to ride alone."
"When Lily tried to get you to ride a motorcycle, you told her she was crazy. You're just chicken." Becky put her fist up. "Ready? Once, twice, three shoot. Once, twice, three shoot. Once, twice, three shoot. That's it."
Jarod spent fifteen minutes showing the two how to ride a motorcycle. A few minutes later the roar of motorcycles filled the air. Two motorcycles flew down the road into the dusk of night.
Two hours later, the two motorcycles pulled up to the perimeter of the NuGenesis property. The figure holding onto Jarod got off the bike on wobbly legs. The figure on the other bike jumped off and pulled the helmet off.
Becky's long blond curls fell softly to her shoulders. "That was fantastic. Lily said it was fun, but I never imagined. I have got to get me one of these!"
Mark and Jarod took their helmets off as well. "Lily rides? I should have known." Jarod looked at Mark. "You all right Mark?" Jarod asked the green-faced man.
"I don't know why anyone would voluntarily ride one of those things." Mark said as the world swayed around him.
"You're such a stick in the mud Mark." Becky said as she hung her helmet on the handle.
"One should talk Miss 'I Don't Cross the Street Against Traffic' lady." Mark put his helmet on the seat of the bike.
Becky stewed for a moment and then stuck her tongue out at Mark.
"Oh, that's real mature." Mark said as he realized that Jarod had started to move to the tree line. "Becky. I think we're getting left behind." Mark pointed at Jarod. The two looked at each other and sprinted trying to catch up with him.
"I can only use you if you're not going to act like children." Jarod said in low whispers. We have to go over there and come in from the back. Angelo and I moved around the drainpipe before, they'll be expecting that."
"You've done this before?" Mark asked.
"Yes. When I was trying to save a young boy. Now Debbie should be on the second floor of the west wing. That is where the observation rooms are. I need to disconnect their monitor systems. We did the diversion thing the last time, so that would be redundant. We need a fresh idea." Jarod was scoping the area for the best line of attack.
"Too bad there wasn't a storm. It would knock out the lights and systems." Becky said as she followed Jarod.
Jarod thought for a moment. "What if we created the conditions of a storm?" He thought out loud. "Mark. Do you think you could drive a car into a light pole?"
"Are you crazy? I could get killed?" Mark said his eyes frantic with panic.
"Then jump out before it hits." Jarod said as he started across the field toward the center's parking area.
Becky and Mark followed Jarod across the field. Jarod reached the parked vehicles and found Dr. Randolph's car. He knew that she was the head of NuGenesis now. Jarod took a little pouch out of his pocket and pulled out a long thin instrument. He pushed a small button and the rod became twice its length. Jarod fiddled with the lock and in a few minutes had the car opened. He reached under the steering column and pulled out some wires. He took a little plier out of the pouch and rearranged some of the wiring. The ignition started.
"There you go Mark. There is a light pole right there. If I have calculated right, it will take out the power to all of NuGenesis. Becky, on the left side of the house is the wiring to the security system. When you hear the car hit, cut the third wire. It will be the only red wire there. Can you do that?" Jarod looked for any sign of distress. He remembered Lily saying that espionage wasn't Becky's forte.
"I can do that. We need to help Debbie." Becky half smiled hoping she didn't electrocute herself in the process.
"OK. Keep low. Follow the cars around to the back and around the building. Please keep an eye out for guards. And if someone catches you, do not resist. I don't want you hurt." Jarod took Becky's chin. "Understand?"
"I will assess the situation and act accordingly. Wish me luck." Becky smiled and headed along the cars.
Jarod thought for a moment. "Wait. That wasn't a yes." Jarod whispered, but Becky was already to the end of the cars. Jarod crept along the car till he was next to the open door where Mark was sitting in the driver's seat. "You ready? When you hit, I'll be entering the east door to go upstairs and get Debbie."
"As a young boy I always wanted to be a demolition car driver. Now I guess I get my chance. Get going Jarod." Jarod stepped away from the car and pushed the door shut.
Mark pulled the car out of its space and headed down the row towards the light pole. He turned the car in the direction he thought would cause the most damage on impact. Mark watched Jarod over the cars till he could no longer see him. "Show time." Mark said as he slammed his foot down on the accelerator, but held the brake. When the car was revved up, Mark released his foot off the break and with a squeal headed for the pole. Just as the car was about to hit, Mark opened the door and jumped out.
The car hit the pole with a bang and an explosion.
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Parker paced Broots' room waiting for the signal that Jarod opened the e- mail. She was biting her lower lip, which is something that she did when she was in deep thought or agitated.
Broots sat back in his bed watching Parker march around the room. He had come to realize long ago that he and Miss Parker would never be a couple, but he still enjoyed watching her long legs move in her usual stride.
Suddenly the computer chimed and Parker raced to it. She quickly read the message.
Parker, Got the plans. You're the best. Tell Broots thank you. On our way to go get Debbie. Don't worry. Love always, Jarod.
Broots read the e-mail and it confirmed what he had suspected. Parker and Jarod were together. "So you and Jarod are."
Parker saw the hurt in Broots face. "It was inevitable. I think it was always meant to be that we would be together. Whether it was fate or kismet or just plain damn luck. I don't know. I just know that when we are together the world is at our feet. We are two pieces that fit into each other, even if it's not always perfectly."
"I always knew that you were way too angry whenever he did something or the two of you were around each other. It's a sign that two people who are strong willed like each other." Broots smiled.
"What are we in Broots, grammar school?" Parker said as she strode over to the door of the room looking out like what Broots was saying didn't matter.
Broots looked over at Parker. "You can't deny it. All those tricks he played. Always far enough not to be caught, but always in contact. It's like he couldn't leave you behind. But at the same time we all knew that he cared enough to give you the information you needed to find out the truth about your mother. He could have kept it to himself, but he didn't. He wanted you to find out the truth, just like he was. Your futures were connected by your pasts."
"I think you've been hanging around Syd too long. You think you've become a head shrinker." She sooo wished she had a cigarette. She wasn't ready to be having this conversation with anyone from the Centre, let alone Broots.
"I just call it like I see it. The only man other than Thomas who has been able to make your blood boil is Jarod." Broots lay back in pain and tired.
"What do you know about my boiling point." Parker started to say as she turned and saw that Broots was in pain. "Enough of this. We did what we could and you need to rest." Parker went over to the remote and pushed the button for the nurse.
"How am I supposed to rest when Debbie is out there in trouble?" Broots tried to get up.
Parker put her hand up to his chest. "Hey cowboy. Where do you think you're going?"
"I told you. I have to find Debbie. She is my life Miss Parker." Broots winced as he tried to push up against her hand to get out of bed.
"Do you think you could fight a Sweeper team like this? If anyone can get her Broots, it's Jarod. He wouldn't let anything happen to her. He knows how much she means...to me." Parker pulled her hand off of Broots' chest.
"She means a lot to him too." Broots lay back on his pillow.
Parker looked at him confused. "What do you mean she means a lot to him? He's never met Debbie."
Broots shook his head. "You're wrong. He helped me get custody of Debbie. He's the person who sent the court the information on my ex-wife." Broots lowered his head waiting for the repercussions of his last statement.
"It makes sense." Parker sat in the chair crossing her long legs as she processed the information. "The time when everyone in the Centre was looking for you and just out of the blue Jarod decides to help you. I knew there had to be a catalyst. It was Debbie. And your family unit. How could I be so blind?"
Broots smiled. "I actually pulled one over on you."
"Oh go ahead. Smirk Puff Daddy. Yes, I have a long memory. Sometimes I don't even want to know what goes on in that head of yours." Parker now smiled as Broots' face turned redder than a tomato. She got up. "Now if I can trust you to stay put, I'm going to go. I need to check on the training of my team. You going to be OK?"
Broots shook his head in agreement. "I'm tired. I'll try and get some sleep."
The nurse came in as Parker opened the door. "Please tell the Doctor that Mr. Broots needs something to help him sleep." Parker turned to leave.
"Miss Parker." Broots called. "Please keep an eye open for a message from Jarod. And let me know when he has her."
"You bet. Now get some rest." Parker turned and walked out the door.
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Lily clicked into the Sanctuary file. She smiled as the plans for SL-27 came up in front of her. That smile faded, as she could find no reasonable escape route from the rooms. But she now knew where Raines' office was. If she could get out of this room, then all she had to do was make it to his office. According to the plans, all the controls for the floor were routed to there.
Lily quickly memorized the specs just as the computer went blank. "So you are monitoring what I'm doing." She said under her breath. "I hope you encrypted the file Sydney."
Music started playing through the intercom. Lily felt pain on the side of her head. "Err. I hate you people." She took a deep breath. "Can I at least have an aspirin?" She yelled, feeling all the angry emotions building inside her. "Cree Craw Toad's Foot, Geese Walk Barefoot." She started to chant trying to block the messaging she knew was being feed to her through the music.
The door opened and Sam entered the room holding a tray with a glass.
"Great. Room service. You have my aspirin?" Lily said as she approached the man.
Sam half threw the tray onto the table. "Your dinner. And I'm no room service attendant."
Lily looked at the glass on the tray. "What the hell is that?"
Sam smirked. "Wheat grass and tomato juice. Bon appetite."
Lily cringed. "What do I look like - a goat? Wheat grass? You've got to be kidding. Get me a cheeseburger, salad, and a diet Dr. Pepper."
Sam was about to answer her with a smart remark, when the door to the room opened. He took the signal and left the room.
Lily picked up the glass, walked into the bathroom, and poured the glass down the drain of the sink. She walked back into the room and threw the glass on the tray. "I am not going to drink anything that looks like it came from a nuclear waste dump. I want real food!" Lily went and sat on the bed and tried to block the music that was still playing.
"If you want privileges, then you are going to have to play by the rules." A voice came over the intercom.
Lily listened for a moment, not immediately recognizing the voice. "I'm not a play by the rule type of gal."
"That's what I'm told. It intrigues me. You and I could make a great alliance." The voice proclaimed.
Then Lily realized who was speaking. She brought her knees up to her chest and crossed her legs. "Your name is Klos, right? Does Dr. Raines know that you are propositioning me? I don't think that he would want you playing with his toys. He's not the sharing kind of person."
"Raines doesn't control me." Klos was about to continue, when he was cut off.
"That's your perception Mr. Klos. As long as you're in my employ, you are under my orders. Don't ever forget that." Raines wheezed from the doorway to his office. "But she is right. I don't want you playing with my toy - at least not right now. I need her. Don't you have some people to find?"
Klos got up out of the chair and non-challantly walked past Raines. "Well if you want to keep her happy, then I'd get her a cheeseburger. The little lady is hungry." Klos exited out the door.
"You are becoming a liability Mr. Klos. I will have to deal with you soon." Raines hit the intercom button. "Lily. Was there a problem with your drink?"
Lily recognized Raines' voice. "Ahhh. Did Mr. Klos get his hand slapped? I want a cheeseburger, salad, and a Diet Dr. Pepper and I want it now."
"Most people don't give me orders." Raines wheezed with anger in his voice.
Lily smiled. "Most people don't hold the key to your future. The world is give and take. I think you better give or you will never see your Pretender's again."
Raines picked up his phone. "Get her what she wants." He hung up the phone. "Smoke and mirrors. You learn quickly Lily. We'll let you stew in your programming for a while and see what happens." Raines clicked the monitor button and Lyle's room appeared on the monitor. The man was pacing around the room.
"Problem Lyle?" Raines asked into the intercom system.
"No. I'm just peachy. Thought this place was the Ritz Carlton." Lyle stopped pacing. "How is Lily?"
Raines smiled. "And what concern is her well being to you?"
Lyle's defenses kicked in. "None of your business."
"Now Lyle. You know that it's better to give me what I want than fight against me. It's been that way since the beginning. And I will do whatever I wish to Lily. I want my Pretenders back."
"I'll do whatever you want. I'll sit in your mind warp chair for however long you want if you just let Lily go. Just don't hurt her anymore." Lyle started to pace the room again.
"We're in mutual agreement Lyle. I don't want her hurt, I want her obedient. I want my family back. The Parker reign to continue. Your son is the beginning of that. You and Lily together could create a powerful future for the Centre." Raines wheezed in deeply waiting to see what Lyle's reaction would be.
Lyle stopped in his tracks. "She will never allow that. She hates you. Lily would never let you control her children."
"She may with a little convincing. That she's getting now. All I need for you to do is be there to be a catalyst for the programming."
Lyle looked up in anger at the camera. "You put her back in that chair?"
"No. I resorted back to my original method with her, what she is primed for - music." Raines looked back at the one monitor that showed Lily. "She can't resist it forever. Eventually the subliminal messaging will supercede her own values. So do we have a deal Lyle?"
Lyle thought quickly. "What's in it for me?"
Raines smirked. "Besides a nice roll in the hay, you're eventual rise to command of the Centre. You will have all the power you have ever wanted."
"And what of Parker and the Boy Wonder?" Lyle looked slyly at the camera.
"She either gets in line or we eliminate her from the equation. Remember the Game. You're offering to me last December was a great start. She knows the rules." Raines waited for Lyle's response.
"Let me go to Lily." Lyle said as he went to stand in front of the door. After a few minutes the door opened. Sam was standing there with a tray that had two burgers, a salad, and two soft drinks. "Room service?"
Sam huffed. "It's for the other one. She wasn't one for Mr. Raines' specialty drinks."
"Can't blame her. Wheat grass and tomato juice sucks." Lyle followed Sam to Lily's door.
"Here. You give it to her." Sam shoved the tray at Lyle.
"Afraid of a little lady?" Lyle asked as Sam entered the door code.
"That woman is no lady." The door opened and Lyle entered.
Lily got up off her bed. "Hmmmmm. Took long enough."
Lyle offered the tray to Lily as she approached. She took the tray and pushed it aside on the table.
Lily grabbed Lyle and kissed him. She moved to kissing his neck as Lyle half resisted, half allowed her to travel around to the other side of his neck.
"Lily..." Lyle began.
"Shhhhhh." Lily replied as she pushed him toward the bed. "Make love to me."
Lyle squirmed as Lily's body lay on top of his. She kissed him again and Lyle responded by kissing her back. He could feel her heart beating next to his chest. She felt so good, the warmth of her body permeating his.
Lyle flipped Lily so that he was on top. He pulled off his shirt and threw it to the floor. Lily leaned up and kissed his chest as Lyle closed his eyes. A few moments later Lyle pulled the covers over the two of them and nuzzled into Lily's neck.
**************************
The battles have begun. Critical moves have been made. The Players are making monumental decisions. Can triumph be within their grasp?
